A pinay’s guide to getting hitched
This year marks my fourth visit to The Wonderful Wedding Show. And yes, if you’re wondering, every year still manages to be as wondrous as the last.Ironically, I visited the show only once for my own wedding. That was last year, when I had the chance to seriously soak in the grandeur of it all.
If you haven’t been to the show before – whether you’re a bride-to-be, wedding party member, or general wedding enthusiast – I recommend giving it a go. I can’t understate the number of things to see and do, whatever your role or interests may be. They even accommodate male guests in the EPH Apparel Grooms Lounge, which overflows with fancy suits, televisions and booze.
Visiting the vendors is a chance to see, hear, taste, touch and smell everything in the flesh. Whether you want to examine the fine craftsmanship on a set of stationary, cake or bouquet, everything you need to assemble your complete wedding look book is right there at your fingertips.
As a former bride and frequent wedding show visitor, I’ve figured out a few tips to make the most of your trip:
•Know what you need. When I went to the show after my engagement, I wrote out a list of vendors I wanted to see. Perhaps you’re still exploring options for videographers, or you heard great things about a certain florist and you want to see their work. I suggest singling out a few booths on your “must see” list, because combing through each one individually will most certainly be the death of you.
•Keep an open mind. Maybe you stumbled upon a photographer’s website and thought they were the perfect fit for your wedding day. If you’re on the verge of booking a vendor, take the time to visit them in person. Though their portfolio is a big factor in your decision making process, it’s also important to gel with the business you decide to hire. Most of them are as nice as spice, but it never hurts to reaffirm your confidence in them.
•Fill out those ballots! The wedding show is notorious for passing around giveaways out of wazoo. You’ll pick up plenty of bags, brochures, business cards and free food samples (my favourite part, personally). Most importantly, enter into as many draws as possible. Vendors will give away free wedding packages to attract guests to their booths. The most efficient way to sign up is by pre-print your name, address, phone number and e-mail address onto adhesive mailing labels. Believe me, this will save you from some major midday hand cramps.
Jackie is a communications and event planning professional in Winnipeg. Follow her at @jackiedwild on Twitter or Instagram!
Photos by Randy Fenoli and Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal
